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PROCEEDINGS 

OF TUE 

Sf All iilf 

HELD IN 

Nashville, Feb. 22d, 23d, 24tli & 25th. 



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The State Convention of colored men, heretofore called to meet on 
Washington's birth day, assembled on AVednesday, 22d inst., at St. 
John's Chapel on Spruce street in this city, Mr. J. M. Shelton,_ as 
chairraanof the Davidson County Delegation, called the convention 
to order and on motion, Mr. E. D. Shaw of Memphis, was chosen 
temporary chairman, and J. M. Shelton Secretary pro tem. The fol- 
lowing members were appointed a committee on credentials : William 
Butler, Esq., W. F. Anderson, E. M. Hanmer, C. M. Johnson, D. An- 
derson. 

During the absence of the committee, able and interesting address- 
es were made by S-amuel Lowery, John Cockrill and others. The 
Committee reported the following delegates present : 

Davidson County— J. M. Shelton, H. Stevenson, Wesley Terry, Jas. Bobertson, Wesley Cloyd, Bobt. 
Johnsen, Alf Gordon, James AlMson, Balph Pniet, Henry Petty, Abraham Price, George Pnce, Green 
Hubart, John Cockrill, Aaron Jennings, W. F.Anderson, Kev. M. B. Johnson, ^^m Butler J!.sq„ 
Cyrus Cook, Thos. Byzer, Sam Lowery, D. L. Laysley, Armstead Shelby, B. D. Campbell J. Biglow. 

Shelby County— Ed. Shaw George Haden, Joseph Lusher, Bev, A. E, Anderson, J. 11. balor. 

Williamson County — Peter Ledbetter, John Epps. 

Montgomery county— J. W. Peyton, Peter Coraway. 

Xjptou county— Armstead Boyd, Bobert Auston. 

Giles county — Bobert Johnson, Lewis Dougherty. 

Maiiry county— B. D. Williamson. ■* 

Bobertson county— A. L. Carr, W. S. Williamson. 

Ckeatham county— Sylvester Lewis, Carroll Wilson, John McGowan. 

Siiniuer county — C. M. Johnson. 

Bjutherford county— J. P. Price, T. S. Stewart, Norman, Alex Webb, J. Brown. 

M/irshall county — B. M. Hanmer. 

Henry County — John Claiborne. 

Obion County — Hardy Jackson. 

The House adopted a motion of W. F. Anderson for a committee of 
five on permanent organization, and the chair appointed the following 
members as such committee : Wm. Butler, Esq., W. F. Anderson, C. 
M. Johnson, D. Anderson, and K. M. Hanmer. 

Two Marshalls were appointed by the chair to reserve seats for the 
delegates. 

The committee on permanent Organization made the following re- 
port, which was adopted : 

For President— Wm, Butler. 

For Vice Presidents — D. L. Lapsley, Ed. Shaw. 

Secretaries— Samuel Lowery, Winter Woods. 

On motion of W. F. Anderson, the following standing committees 
were appointed. 

On Eesolutions : Samuel Lowery, J. P. Price, D. Anderson, John 
Claiborne. 



/ 



On Education : Joseph Lusher, A, L. Carr, John Claiborne, E. D. 
Williamson, J. W. 11. Peyton. 

On Outrages and Crimes : A. E. Anderson, C. M. Johnson, T, S. 
vStcwart, Ed. Shaw, J. P. Price. 

On Labor and Contracts: J. H. Sailor, R M Hanmer, J P Miller, 
Richard Ware, Isaac Sharp. 

Oi\ Financo: W P Anderson, Geo S Hayden,Rev.M R Johnson, J P 
Price, J M Shelton. 

On motion of Rev IVI R Johnson, the convention adjourned to meet 
to-n\orrow morning at 9 o'clock. 

SECOND DAY — THURSDAY, FEB. 23. 

The Convention assembled at 10 o'clock with Vice President Shaw 
in the chair. Prayer was ottered by Rev A E Anderson. 

Mr Samuel Lowery ottered a resolution, which was adopted, 
that the convention secure the picture of Abraham Lincoln, and the 
flag of the United States, and pay them due honor by placing them 
in a conspicuous place in the House, which was done, and the pic- 
tures of President Lincoln and John Brown, were hung over the 
President's chair, surmounted by the American flag. 

On motion, all ministers present were considered honorary members 
of the Convention. 

An invitation by Prof. E. K. Spence to visit the Fisk University 
on to-morroAV morning at 9 o'clock was accepted. 

AFTERNOON SESSION. 

The Convention met at two o'clock with President Wm. Butler pre- 
siding. 

The Finance Committee made a rejDort thgt each delegate to the 
Convention be taxed fifty cents to defray the expenses of the Conven- 
tion. The report was adopted^.but subsequently reconsidered and the 
matter again referred to the committee. 

Rev. John Braden, Principal of the Central Tennessee College, was 
invited to address the Convention. He made a lengthy and ver}' in- 
teresting speech, giving much good advice for the benefit of the 
colored race 

On motion of J. M. Shelton, the Convention resolved to visit the 
Central Tennessee College on Friday at twelve o'clock. 

On the invitation of Prof. Spence, the Convention visited the Fisk 
University at night, for the purpose of being present at a rehearsal 
of the Cantata of Esther, which was performed in the most elegant 
manner by the pupils of that institution. Adjourned to meet at 9 
o'clock, Friday morning. 

THIRD day's PROCEEDINGS — FRIDAY, FEB. 24. 

The Convention Avas called to order by Vice President Shaw. 

After prayer by Rev. A. E. Anderson, the Convention took a recess 
to visit, by invitation, the Fisk University, after which the members 
returned to the convention hall. 

The following resolutions offered by Mr. Samuel Lowery, were 
unanimously adopted. 

Resolved, That this Convention cordially commend to the colored 
citizens of this and adjoining States, the Fisk University at Nash- 
ville, Tcnn., under the management of Prof E. K. Spence, and the 
Central Tennessee College, under the superintendence of Rev. John 
Braden, as institutions worthy of their patronage and esteem, as 



these institutionB are now doing more to elevate our colored citizens 
and to break down the barriers to progress, elevate Christianize, and 
dispel the darkness of ignorance and prejudice than all the powers 
used by the whole State of Tennessee. 

Resolved, That we not only esteem the worthy founders of these 
institutions as statesmen ; but true Christian philanthropists and 
benefactors of our countrj'men. 

The Committee «n education made the following report which was 
adopted. 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION. 

The committee on education beg leave to report that the outrages 
on the school teachers, to both white and colored teachers in colored 
schools are so great that they have broken up nearly all schools out- 
side of the large cities, which is done by the Kuklux outlaws, who 
with impunity defy, successfully all attempts that have been made to 
stop them in their lawlessness. The consequence is there are thous- 
ands of children who are growing up uneducated, and ignorance is 
by this course sown broadcast in our state, inviting every grade of 
crime and immorality that should alarm not only the lover of hu- 
manity, but the patriot, of the welfare of our country. In order to carry 
out their mischief, they burn school-houses and the churches in which 
school is taught, besides inflicting punishment of the most horrible 
and atrocious character ujson the persons of teachers. 

The committee can see no hope for the general education of the 
children of our race in Tennessee, unless it be established and adopted by the gen- 
eral government, and the government shall establish schools in behalf of our citizens, 
who will admit, upon equality, colored children. Even in cities where there are 
some schools we laljor under the most odious proscription which we hope entirely 
to avoid in the national schools. Each colored citizen cannot but feel degraded, so 
long as he is forced by the local authorities to separate schools, often of the most un- 
fitting character and purpose. We have a large number of reports from various coun- 
ties, and in some instances no schools at all. In Shelby county alone there are four 
thousand children of color not attending school, and most all the schools they have 
are paid and kept up by subscription. The Superintendent has forbidden in this 
county, the teachers of colored schools opening the schools by prayer. We most re- 
spectfully request this Convention to make known our wants to the general govern- 
ment and request them to take some action to meet our wants, and most respectfully 
request the adoption of the following preamble and resolutions, and letter with an 
extract of the common sentiment of our State, from the Clarksville Chronicle Dec. 
3d, 1870. 

Whereas, The Government of the United States has contributed a large fund to es- 
tablish in each State an Agricultural College; and 

WhereaSjIlie State of Tennessee has received and appropriated the fund to a College 
in this State; and 

Whereas, It is the principle of the present government to afford equal political 
rights to all, irrespective of color; therefore. 

Be it Resolved, That the colored citizens of Tennessee request the Congress of the 
United States to order the doors of such College or Institution shall receive all pupils 
irrespective of color, and that they be admitted on equal terms; 

Resolved, That the colored citizens should be represented in proportion to their 
population in this College or University : and 

Resolved, That we ask in addition. Congress to establish a national school system 
of instruction which will be impartial to all of our citizens. 

A. S. Carr, John Claiborne, R. D. Williamson, J. W. H. Heyton, Committee.,' 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

The condition in Montgomery county 'is |shown by the following communication 
referred to in the report. 



Editors Cukonicle: 

I see in the Tobacco Leaf of tlio "221111 ult., a call for a meeting of tbe citizens of 
the county, to consult and adopt some plan for the better regulation of the labor 
system of the county, which is paramount to all other questions at this time. 

Intimately connected with this question, is the present school system of Mont- 
gomery county. Are the people williug that the County (.'ourt, at its January term, 
shall again levy an additional school tax of about i5'J,U00, upon the tax-payers of the 
county, for the purpose of educating the negro children of the county? Do not the 
devclopmenis under existing regulations, show that with the present high govern- 
ment and State tax, the additional countv tax of §9,000 is mote than the people can 
stand? It is well known that the negroes pay comparatively none of this school 
i\xni\ — while in Districts Nos. 1, 6 and 12 there are about two negro children in the 
free schools to one white — all the negro children go to school. But a part of the 
white cliildren are kept at liomc to work for the support of the family. And this is 
not the worst feature of its working. The proceeds of the labor of these white chil- 
dren are stolen b}- the negroes to feed their children who arc being raised up in idle- 
ness. It is impossible for any man, either white or black, from his labor alone, 
without land to cultivate, teams or implements to till rented land with. It is im- 
possible to support a wife and family of children without the assistance of the labor 
of a part of the children, but the negroes keep them all at school, hence they are 
compelled to steal or starve. 

The present mode adopted by most of the farmers of the county, to furnish the 
land, teams, etc., and give the negro one-half they make, is fast destroying the farm- 
ing interest of this county, and nothing is having so demoralizing an elfect upon the 
negroes: for the negro has really all that the farmer is worth in his own hands; for 
at the most important time of the crop, if he thinks proper to go to his club meeting, 
or some place of amusement, if the white man says to him, "Everything will be lost 
unle.ss you quit running about." What is the negro's reply: ''We have a written 
contract and if you are losing, so am I; wo are even on that score; you must stand 
it.' And it is so. for they are equals before the law. We ought to abandon this 
county tax for free schools and employ the negroes for a stipulated price, in money, 
or both white and black will go down together. Citizen. 

We append the following extract from the Clarksville Chronicle of Dec. 3d, copied 
from the Holly Springs Kcpoi-ter, to show the spirit of the whites. 

Accompanying the report were the following communications which were in- 
dorsed by the Convention. 

GILES COUNTY. 

A public meeting in Giles county reported the following: 
Gentleman of the Convention: 

We deem it our duty to furnish you all the information in our power concerning 
the present condition of our people. 

In the lii'st place we have no Justice before the law, and it seems to 
us that in many instances we are worse off than when in slavery. 

In the second place, a great many of us are driven away from our 
liomes and our crops after having made them and our wives and 
children reduced to the point of starvation. We have no schools and 
no teachers, hundreds of our little children are being deprived of the 
chance for an education for want of schools. 

We have but few churches and some of them have been burned 
down by desperadoes. 

As to outrages, we must say that every few d-Aja we hear of their 
being committed in various ways upon our colored citizens. 

Oh, Gentlemen of the convention, we, the colored citizens of Giles 
county, insist that you will use every influence you can bring to bear 
upon Congress to put a stop to the doings of these desperadoes. For 
God's sake help us ere we perish. 

We believe that if the government were fully apprised of our true 
condition it would not see its friends trampled in the dust. We will 
hail all as friends who aid us in making our sad condition known to 
the world. 



CHEATHAM COUNTY. 

The report from this county says : 
No schools and no churches, with 250 children needine; instruction. 
Wages for men about one dollar per day and board themselves. 
Women from two to four dollars per month. ISTo outrages reported. 

SUMNER COUNTY, 

There are ten churches in this county in good condition. Out of 
some six or seven hundred children one hundred and seventy are at- 
tending school. Wages for men are from ten to twelve dollars per 
month, and for women, from three to six dollars. 

There have been seven outrages committed in the county lately, 
and thirteen persons driven from their homes and crops. Threats 
and intimidations are numerous. 

A meeting was held in the Joyner settlement in this county aiid 
reports that the number of childre# there, not attending school, is 
twenty-nine, and one church in the neighborhood. They rej^ort 
wages as very low, and the colored people ver^^ much intimidated by 
the Kuklux. 

TIPTON County. 

A public meeting hold in Tipton county makes the following report: 

We have two churches, and have had one burnt down. Out of 500 
children in the county only 47 are going to school. Men mostly 
work for a share of the crop, 

DAVIDSON COUNTY, 

A meeting in the 24:th civil district of Davidson county I'eported 
that they have no school nor church in this district. The colored 
church M^as burnt down by the Kuklux, There are 32 children in 
this district. Wages for men are fi^om seven to ten dollars per month 
and board, and sixteen dollars, boarding themselves. From four to 
five dollars per month are charged for house rent, and as a general 
thing, if a man worts all the year he will come out in debt, 

SHELBY COUNTY. 

Memphis, Feb. 24, 1871. — To the State Convention, to meet at Nash- 
ville,Tennessee on the 22d inst. We a committee appointed bya county 
Convention a few weeks ago, held at the Hall of the Sons of Ham, on' 
Gayoso street, to investigate and report the condition of our people, 
educationally, politically, temporally and morally, would beg leave to 
submit the following as our report. 

The number of public schools (colored) is eleven, taught bj^ the 
same number of teachers, three of whom are colored ; there are also 
seven select schools taught by the same number- of teachers, making 
in all eighteen colored schools, with, as it is supposed, about three 
thousand pupils. The number of children out of school is supposed 
to be about four thousand ; the number of churches iii the city and 
count}^, is said to be twenty-seven which are Baptists and Methodists. 
The various occupations as followed by our people are common labor, 
hack driving, barbering, saloon keeping, with a large number of pub- 
lic boarding houses, and we have a number of mechanics who are 
found engaged in different mechanical jjursuits going on throughout 
the city ; we have also a number of merchants on a small scale, and 
some druggists J our women are engaged principally in washing 



6 

and ironing, and youngsters, such as are out of school, are quite too 
idle, doing but little of nothing. Wages among common laborers 
range from a dollar and a half to two dollars per day, as a regular thing; 
hack drivers make from $35.00 to S-iO.OO per Aveek. 

As to the amounts realized by laborers and farmers, the past year it has been very 
poor. A number of farmers have told us that they had labored all the year without 
realizing a cent, all of which we would most respectfully submit. Hoping that the 
God of providence may be with you, and that he may guide you by his unerring coun- 
sel in your deliberatious, and that your Convention may prove a success. 

Eev. Blackmou Williamson, Gilbert Algoe, E. A. Anderson, Africa Boiley, Wm. 
Phillips, Morris Henderson, Benjamin BuUit, Malary Brooks, T. Stroteer, Com- 
mittee. 

KUTHERFORD COUNTY. 

Whereas, In the county of Ruthci'ford there have been desparadoes and disguised 
parties who liavc committed great crimes upon some of the people: they have put to 
death several to our knowledge, namely, Lewis Ready and Fred Tucker. 

CONTRACTS. 

The Committee on Contracts submitted the following report which the Convention 
adopted. 
Mr. Chairman : * 

Your Committee on Contracts and Agreements beg leave to submit the following. 

We find that farming labor as a general thing, has proved a failure to the laborer 
throughout the State, principally on account of the employer not meeting or com- 
plying with their contracts which they have made with their colored laborers, and 
partly on account of the employers refusing to pay their laborers after the crops arc 
m.ide. The colored people living in remote j)arts of the State, being destitute of the 
m 'ans necessary for their support arid protection, are compelled to accept such terms 
as the employers propose, and therefore the wages received by the laborers will not 
sustain them, and school their children, even if they were to receive every dollar 
promised them 

AVe are sorry to report that the State officials are doing all in their power to retard 
the progress of colored labor in certain parts of the State, by using the convicts of 
the State Prison to labor on Railroads and in Coal Mines, and on the Levee at Nash- 
ville, thereby throwing out of employment those who have to depend on their honest 
Labor for their living. AVe are also sorry to inform you thsU the farmers in ditferent 
parts of the State are formed in secret conclave for the purpose of employing the 
Colored people to work on such terms as they propose, and if the colored people re- 
fuse to work* they can get no work and are thus compelled to leave the neiborhood, 
or accept any terms oifered them. 

J. H. Sailor, Chairman. 

R. U. Hanmer, Richard Ware, J. P. Miller, and Samuel Sharp — Committee. 

The report is accompanied by the following documents. 

FIVE DISTRICTS OF MARSHALL COUNTY. 
EUillTH DISTRICT. 

We have no meeting or school houses in this district. AVe are working for one- 
half the crop, finding our OAvn stock and feeding them. AVe are compelled to do this 
or worse, for they will send the Kuklux after us at night. AVe are in great need. 

NINTH DISTRICT. 

The report from the ninth district is about the same as the eighth. 

TENTH DISTRICT. 

No meeting nor school-house. AVe have no equal show before the law, while we 
have to pay taxes as well as the white men. The Kuklux test is, six hundred noises. 

ELEVENTH DISTRICT. 

AVe have one meeting and one school-house. AVe are working for one-half the crop 
and fiiiiling ourselves and slock. AVe have no say before the law. AVe are bound to 
do nnytliing they want done, for if we don't, they will send the Kuklux on us at 
night. The test is, four hundred noises. 



TWELFTH DISTRICT. 

No meeting nor school-houses. Weare working for one-third or two-fifths of the crop. • 
We have no show befoi'e the hiw. AVe are obliged to do this to stay here, and then 
we can hardly do so for the Kuklux. Their test is three hundred noises. 

The report inchules generally the county. We colored people are suffering 
greatly. The way we have to work we cannot make a decent suj^port for our 
families. 

[Signed.] John Lockwood, 

Chairman. 
M. Morris, Secretary. 

MONTGOMERY COCNTY. 

A County Convention was held in Clarksville on the 18th inst, the result of which 
is a full report from I\Iontgomery county. 

H. R. Roberts was made Chairman and E. J. Courad Secretary. After appointing 
tlie proper committees to make a complete organization, the following reports were 
made from the different districts, which were laid before this convention. 

FIRST DISTRICT. 

A. J. Newsom reported the first districi as follows: 

We have one school, with seventy-eight pupils: two hundred and fifty children 
not attending school : Two churches. Wages for 'laborers from eiglit to twelve dol- 
lars per month, common hands 75 cents to one dollar per day and hud themselves. 
Mech:iiiics' wages from l.GO to two dollars per day. Women's' wages from four to 
live dcdlars per month. 

SECOND DISTRICT. 

L. M. Jordan reported the second district as follows: 

One school with one hundred pupils and thirty in daily attendancee. Marsy of 
our laborers are defrauded out of their wages after working the whole year. 
" The employers will not settle unless we agree to take what they offer, which is 
so i-mall we cannot live on it. Tlicy sometimes 'offer us clothing at high prices, 
and we are obliged to take that or nothing. We are abused for voting the Repub- 
lican ticket. 

SIXTH DILTTICT. 

William Clark reports one school with eight}- pupils and seventy in daily atten- 
dance. 

Wages for men from ten to twelve dollars, and women from two to three dollars 
per month. Fanning laborers" wnges are from l-iO to 150 dollars per year, and 
then we are made to pay for all our provisions. 

SEVENTEENTH DISTRICT. 

A meeting held at New Providence reported this district as follows : 
We have one school with one hundred and sixty pupils in attendance. There are 
two hundred and sixty children in this district. The average wages are about the 
same as reported for the sixth district We were pleased (o have the Fifteenth 
Amendment passed, but are grieved to know that there is no justice for us under it. 
We have no show before the law. Many of us after working hard and coming 
out a few dollars ahead, caimot get even that. If we get an execution and put it 
into the hands of a constable, if it is against a white man, he will keep it awhile 
and then say he cannot make the money. Some of our friends in the lower part of 
the county have been badly beaten by masked men but dare not say anything 
about it. 

NINTH DISTRICT. 

R. Gordon reported no schools nor school house. A man and bis family, having 
four in the family at work, gets only $150 a year for all. The neighborhood h^s 
made an agreement not to pay more than this. 

SEVENTH DISTRICT. 

W. Y. Clark reports one school with one hundred and fifty pupils, and twenty in 
daily attendance. Wages for men from seven to twelve dollars per month, and 
women from five to seven. At the last election in 1870, no polls were opened in this 
precinct until three o'clock in the afternoon. 



8 

TWELFTH DISTRICT. 

Reported "by A. ll. Campbell and P. N. Rogers. Three schools and seven hun- 
dred pupils; "daily attendance three hundred and fifty. Wages for men from ten to 
twelve ddllars, and women from three to five dollai-s per month; mechanics' wages 
from §1.60 to ;?1.75 per day. The laws are very unjustly executed. Colored men 
are sent to the Penitentiary for trifles, and white men for the same crimes go free. 
Some men have been discharged from employment for turning out to bury the dead. 
The reason why so many colored people tlock to towns is, that they cannot get any- 
thing for their labor in the country and have no protection. 

EIGHTEENTH DISTRICT. 

Reported by A. R. Trotter: One school with thirty-five pupils in attendance. 
Wages for men from §120 to $125 a year, and women from three to four dollars a, 
month. 

NINETEENTH DISTRICT. 

No schools nor churches. Wages same as above. Polls not opened at last election 
until three p. m. 

The Comraittee on Outrnges presented the following report, which was adopted: 

Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 23, 1871. — The Commiiieeon Crimes, after due considera- 
tion of each report of the State, found the fondition of the people to be such as to 
call forth the greatest effort to protect them from the outrages almost daily perpe- 
trated upon them. We find in various portions of the State, for the smallest oti'ences, 
(liat men are often put to death, their families outraged, and there seems to be no 
power to bring to. justice the guilty parties. Davidson county owing to its numbers 
are better treated and piotected than any othercounty intheStaie. Shelby county, 
too owing to their numbers and chances of protection. Yet. within the last nine 
months there have been not less than seven murders committed by unkno-nn persons. 
Other outrages and murders have been committed by persons known to the.authori- 
ties, and no one brought to justice, nor any attempt to bring to justice the guilty 
parlies. If they are abused or murdered, if they are colored people, the plea is 
put in, not here. In Sumner county they have put out a great many threats, etc., 
80 as to prevent or cause a great many or a majority to leave the county. Bird 
Swaincy, at the Castile Springs, was shot and unmercifully whipped by a band of 
disguised persons. This and many others of the same crime have been brought to 
justice, and acquitted. We find the crimes and outrages in the State so numerous 
that wc will not task the convention with further details. 

We append the following extract from the Holly Springs Reporter, which the 
Clarksville Chronicle copied : 

THE NEGRO. 

We hear complaints of the negro in every section of our country. In town it is 
almost nn impossibility to get negro cooks ; and when obtained tliey leave on the 
slightest pretext, and when the slighest pretext is not given, they attend "meeiin gs" 
every night, and shout and screan^ till morning, and are unfitted for work during 
the day. In the country many negroes are neglecting their crops, and cotton and 
corn are ruining in the fields. A great many have gone in debt for clothing, sup- 
plies and gew-gaws, and owe more than their crops will realize. They argue, there- 
fore, that it is folly to pick out cotton and gather corn for other men to enjoy. Our 
crop's are poor enough iu all conscience, and the indolence and worthlessness of the 
negro are making them five-fold worse. We learn that in some neighboriioods the 
negroes leave their work for whole days together to attend negro militia meetings 
and negro funerals. A friend informs us that they are preaching the funerals of 
negroes who died fifteen years ago. If tlie negro does not improve, a bitter expe- 
rience tells us there is lilile hope, other labor will have to be introduced, or farmers 
will be compelled to cease their efforts to make crops. The condition of ihe entire 
Southern country illustrates forcibly the tendency and efforts of Radical recoustruc- 
lion and negro legislation. 

■\Vhercas. In a large majority of the counties of Middle and West 
Tennessee lawlessness prevails, and desperadoes, masked and tinned, 
are committing ci-imes and outrages unparalleled in the annals of 
civilization, spreading terror and devastation to the homes and iumi- 
lies of the poor and loyal to this Government ; and, 



"Whereas, Thousands have perished at the hands of these outlaws, 
and numbers more whipped, outraged and driven from their homes; 
and, 

Whereas, The local and State authorities seem incapable of the task 
of affording protection to that class of citizens, and have failed to 
convict in a single case ; therefore. 

Be it resolved, That the colored citizens of the State of Tennessee 
request the Congress of the United States to designate Federal Courts 
that shall assume exclusive jurisdiction over all such crimes committed 
upon that class of citizens. 

Eesolved, That Congress be requested to enact a law that the juries 
in such trials shall be composed of one-half colored citizens. 

The report is accompanied by the following proofs : 

McMiNNViLLE, Tenn., Feb. 17th, 1871. 

We the colored citizens of Warren county respectfully call the at- 
tention ot the honorable members composing the convention at Nash- 
ville to the following facts, and earnestly ask their assistance, and co- 
operation in securing the results, which we, as a jieople, and as citi- 
zens of the State and United States pray for, and feel that we are 
entitled to, viz: Our poll tax is exacted and must be paid, to which 
we do not object, if we are allowed the same privileges as the whites. 
"We demand justice before the law, and claim our rights in the jury 
box. It is impossible in most of the counties of the State to get a 
jury of white men who will do justice to the colored m'en. In all 
cases of difficulties between the whites and the blacks, the courts shield 
and protect the white man ; and punish the colored man. As true 
Republican citizens, we feel the oppression, and call upon the proper 
authorities to assist in protecting us, and giving us our rights as citi- 
zens of the United States. We claim our rights as jurymen in all 
cases or instances where the interests of our race are at stake. These 
rights are stolen from us by the sheriff of the county. 

We have no common or free school system, by which to educate our 
children, and we are too j30or to give them the opportunities they need 
for an education. 

In many localities or neighborhoods, we have to cast our votes con- 
trary to our wishes, and for the party Avhicli has kept us in slavery, 
for tear of being thrown out of emplo3'nient or suffering the indigni- 
ties and afflictions perpetrated by the Kuklux. 

We earnestly pray that your honorable body may seek and obtain 
from the proper authorities the assistance we need. 

Isaac Brown, Chairman, John Walker, Lewis Rowan, Peter Rowen, 
Stephen Randies, Samuel Randies, Alexander Smith. 

SMITH COUNTY. 

A convention was held in Smith County and reported as follows: There are but 
five school houses in the county and but one school, which is attended by twenty pu- 
pils, while 880 children are out of school. The cause of this large non-attendance is. 
that so many outrages have been committed upon them that the colored people are in 
a state of terror. One man was killed in the presence of his wite and children, at 
his own door. Some have made good crops and been well treated, while some have 
been driven off without a dime. We are kept in a state of intimidation and fear in 
this county. — Austin Gordon, Chairman. H. Gould, Sec'y. 

OBION COUNTY. 

Hardy Jackson was lately driven off and his property, worth two hundred dollars, 
destroyed by desperadoes in Obion county. 

On Resolutions the Committee reported the following, -which was adopted. 



10 

The following resolutions were reported by the Committee Feb. 25th, 1871, and 
nnanimously adopted. 

Resolved, That this Convention endorse the efforts of the Hon. W. F. Prosser, in 
the Forty-First Congress, in urging the Government to the establishment of a na- 
tional school system, and his appointmeut of a colored pupil to the West Point Acad- 
emy, has endeared him to the hearts of his colored fellow citizens as a patriot and 
a statesman, fully alive to his duties as a Kepresentative and to the interest of his 
country, and to a majority of his constituents. 

Resolved, That the colored citizens of Tennessee, tender their grateful acknowledge- 
ments to Congress for the passage promptly af laws enforcing the Fifteenth Amend- 
ment to the Constitution of the United States, and to President U. S. Grant, and hia 
Cabinet for faithfully executing and enforcing the principles of liberty and equal 
rights to all. 

Resolved, That our only reasonable hope for protection is in the National Govern- 
ment and Executive, as administered by the Republican Party: That the wliite cit- 
izens, generally of the Southern States who are officials, are bound by oath in s'ccret 
societies, denying to us all the rights of civil and political privileges and equality 

Resolved, That we reccomniend the colored citizens throughout the State, to iden- 
tify themselves with horticultural pursuits, secure a homestead and gain a compe- 
tence by the products of the earth, and as far as possible free themselves froiii the 
influence an(l the dictation of the oppressive land-holder and the more oppressive 
association named Farmer's Club and Agricultural Societies and Congi'csscs, whose 
sole purposes are combinations to defeat the payment and employment of honovablie 
and profitable labor to our countrymen; and they are hostile alike to the dignified 
laborer, whether white or colored. 

Resolved, That we advise the colored citizens to acquaint themselves with the 
German language; that to them we will look as faithful allies in the cause of human 
liberty, with the ballot to rid our country of the inhuman and unchristian spirit of 
caste, which has corrupted the chur(;h and State.in the hands of an oligarchy. 

Resolved. That we tender our thanks to the American Missionary Society, the teach- 
ers and instructors at the Fisk University, the Northern M. E. Church, and the 
Frcedmen's Aid Society of the North, for their sacrificing efforts in sustaining schools 
in our midst, and practicing as well as preaching the highest principles of Christ, 
of love to God and love to man; the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of men. 

Resolved, That we have unbounded confidencr, which we are glad to express in 
that patriotic statesman the Hon. Horace Maynard and Gen Wm. B. Stokes wlio is a 
candidate for Seargent-at-arms, of the United States House of Representatives, and 
is worthy to fill any position within the gift of his country, that patriotism and in- 
tegrity can command. 

Resolved, That tlie exclusion of colored citizens from the first-class Cars, and from 
the Churches, Halls and Hotels, and separate Schools, on account of color, is, we 
think at variance with the principles of Republicanism, devoid of the princijdes of 
true Christianity, debasing in tendency, and is the remaining incubus of a foul sys- 
tem of oppression, seeking to continue the debasement of a large class of American 
citizens, and we most respectfully request the (Congress of the United States to give 
us legal enactments to wipe out these outrages still perpretrated on us by misan- 
throi)es and the enemies of our country. 

Resolved, Tliat we respectfully ask of Congress aid to secure homes to the homeless 
freedmeu of our country, to ajipoint a commission which shall be unpaid, to purchase 
in the South large tracts of land, to be sold by them to the landless in small tracts 
which will forever be exempt from execution, and shall be paid for by the occupants 
in instalments running for several years, which shall be re-paid to the United 
States Treasury; and persons so aided to homes can have aid to sow, plant and har- 
vest the first crop, as a means we think necessary to strenghten the hands of the loy- 
al to our government, and lessen crimes and outrages. 

Resolved, That each county be rcquest6<l to appoint a sub-committee to correspond 
with the Executive Committee and to furnish as far as possible an accurate account 
of everything material to the welfare of the colored citizens. 

Resolved, That each delegate be requested to pledge for his district and county a 
certain amount of money, to be placed in the hands of the Executive Committee for 
national purposes. 

Resolved, Thiit this Convention appoint an Executive Committee of fifteen; the Ex- 
ecutive and business part to. live iu Nashville: And the following Committee ap- 
pointed : 



11 

Executive Committee "for Middle Tennessee — Davidson County, W. F. Anderson, 
Wm. Butler,. Nelson Walker, D. L. Lapsley, Samuel Lowery, A. Menefee, M. R. 
Johnson, John Cockrill, G. M. Johnson, J. P. Price, Jackson Golden, J. M. Shelton, 

COMMITTEE FOR WeST TENNESSEE. 

Shelby County: Rev. J. W. Early, Edward Shaw, Alexander Dickinson, John 
M. Johnson, J. H. Sailor. 

COMMITTEE FOR EAST TENNESSEE. 

W. F. Yardley, Esq., A. B. Parker, Rev. G. W. Lanier, David Brown, William 

Potter, Moses Smith, Washam, 

Resolved, That the Executive Committees appointed shall have all power to act in 
behalf of the colored citizens in all matters pertaining to the interest and welfare 
of their race. 

Resolved, That this Convention send a delegate to present our cause to the Ex- 
ecutive and Congress. 

Whereas, The colored citizens of the state of Tennessee desire the success and con- 
tinuance of the Republican party upon the principles of equality and justice to our 
race, not only in the assembling in conventions and the deliberations of such bodies, 
but representation in proportion to our votes by the nomination of candidates for 
oflBce of colored men of our own race and color: and 

Whereas, We have steadfastly as a race supported the Republican party in this 
Siate in the elections, both State and National, and there has not been a single col- 
ored candidate or person advanced to any position of honor , profit or trust from 
either : therefore be it 

Resolved, That we respectfully ask of the Executive of this government whom 
we have supported amid the perils of life aud linb, and are ready again to go forth 
and strive to our utmost to re-elect and sustain, to distribute among the colored 
citizens a fair proportion of the offices, honors and emoluments. 

Retolved, That we will not blindly follow the lead of any sham Republicanism 
which will discriminate against the colored citizens, and fill all the offices with 
white citizens, while they are to be elected by three-fourths of their votes from 
colored men. 

Resolved, That we believe it to be our duty to take such steps in this convention 
to reorganize the Republican party. And that a committee be appointed in each 
division of the State, for the unity of colored citizens to their one common interest 
of our race, that will insure the success of the people throughout the State. 

All of which is respectfully submitted, Samuel Lowery, M. R. Johnson, J. P. 
Price, D. Anderson, John Claiborne. 

The following Resolutions were introduced by the Committee appointed to select a 
delegate to Washington and present memorials, which was unanimously adopted. 

Whereas, Samuel Lowery, Esq., of Nashville, Tenu.. has been outraged by the 
Kuklux outlaws, and his wiVe and children assaulted aad maltreated in the hours 
of midnight, and we having undoubted confidence in his integrity and patriotism 
as a citizen, and being confident of his ability to perform the duties of a Repre- 
sentative ; therefore 

Resolved, Tbat this Convention appoint him a delegate to be* our memorials and 
resolutions to the General Government ami authorities at Washligtou and represent 
fully our grievances, condition and necessities. 

Resolved, That it shall be the duty of each division of the State to transmit 
immedialely, funds sufficient to pay the necessary expenses of Samuel Lowery as a 
delegate to Washington city. 

J. A. Sailor. J P. Price, G. H. Johnson. Committee. 

At a mass meeting of the colored citizens of Knoxville, Tennessee, February 16th, 
1871, the following business was ordered to be transmitted to the State Convention 
of the 22d, 23rd and 24ih of February, 1871 : 

Resolved, That the colored citizens of Knoxville send to our kith and kin m Mid- 
dle and West Tennessee our congratulations for the manner in which they have de- 
meaned themselves through the trials which they have gone. We congratulate 
them upon their achievements in the way of the establishment of schools, churches, 
and of their devotion to the Federal Government and the Republican Party. 

Resolved, That we wish them God speed, and hope their portion of the State 
may soon be relieved from the curse of Kuklux outrages. 
The following are the statistics for Knox county: 



12 

Number of colored churches, 14, day schools, 4, sabbath schools,8, value of prop- 
erty held by colored people, $120,000. 

To the Hon. Henry Wilson, Chairman Military Committee, United States Senate, Wash- 
ington, D. G. 

Your petitioners, colored citizens of the State of Tennessee, and many of us 
late soldiers in the Uniied States army, respectfully but most earnestly request j-ou 
to use your best endeavors as Chairman of the Senate Military Committee to secure 
the favorable action of your committee at an early day as practicable upon tlie bill in- 
troduced by Hon. Charles Sumner, of Massachusetts, giving to colored soldiers and 
their heirs the same bounties as allowed to while soldiers. Your petitioners would 
further represent that the colored soldiers fought with equal valor where required, 
as their white brethren in arms, that they enlisted mostly, if not generallj-, from 
purely patriotic motives, not moving or caring at the time for bounties; but upon 
the cessation of hostilities being thrown upon their own resources to earn a liveli- 
hood, though proceeding under difficulties and on an up-hill grade, they nevertheless 
labored on, and to-day, as they were in the dark days of 1861-2 3, are ready to do 
or die for the General Government; yet they feel, and protest that the government 
should not discriminate in the payment of its bounties to one class of its defend- 
ers to the exclusion of another, purely on accotint of color. Your petitioners would 
futther represent that there are many an aged parent of deceased colored soldiers 
who in the prime of their manhood spent their days in slavery, who now in their 
old age are struggling hard in their poverty with the cold charities of the world, 
when, if the Government would extend to him the same benefits in the provisions 
of the law passed for his white brethren, he could weather the storm, it not pass 
his remaining days in ease, at least in approximate comfort. 

Your petitioners believing you to be the friend of no class of the citizens of the 
Government to the exclusion of another class, address to you this their petition, be- 
lieving thnt when the matter is properly brought to j'our attention j'ou will lend 
your prompt aid to their relief, and to this end will ever pray as in duty bound. 

C. C. Cleavelaiid, Geo. T. Wassan, Heniy Jones, David Brown, 
Samuel Webb, \Y. F. Yardle}^ A. B, Parker, J. Halsey, Hemy 
Jones. 

The committee on transportation reported the following, which was 
adopted ; 

Whereas, many delegates are far from home, and have travelled 
mostly by railroad, Resolved that a committee be appointed to confer 
with the various superintendents of the different railroads, and re- 
quest a free return of the delegates ot the Convention over their lines. 

D. L. Lapsley, N. Walker, John Shelton, Committee. 

We the committee on transportation would most respectfully re- 
port that applications have been made at all the railroad departments 
of Nashville, and have succeeded in getting free transportation on ail 
the roads except the Jjouisville and Nashville road, and the Agent re- 
fuses on the ground that the rules of that road was to give no tree 
passes to any delegation numbering less than twcntj'". 

The above agreement for free passes provides that every delegate 
shall bring a statement in writing, signed by the secretary of this 
Convention, stating that he is a delegate to this Convention, on what 
road he came, and that ho paid full fare from his home to Nashville. 

The following are gentlemen for the approval of the certifictites : 
Nashville and Chattanooga and Nashville and North-Avestern roads 
see J. W. Thomas at the depot, Nashville and Decatur road. Col. Sloss. 
or Reynolds, at depot, Tennessee and Pacific, Maney or Col Para- 
more, at N. and C. depot, Edgefield and Kentucky road, see Major 
Blanton, corner of Locust and College streets, and this we submit to 
your Honorable Convention. 

D. L. Lapsley, John Shelton, Alfred Gordon, Nelson Walker, 
added to the committee. 



13 

Hon. Edward Shaw, of Shelb}' count}', stated that he could name 
nine school houses that have been burned in his county. He made 
a startling statement of the condition of the colored people in the 
State, and urged every member to state particularly in regard to the 
sutfering on every side, and in almost every civil district. 

The following from the Committee on Finance was ado^jted. 

FINANCE. 

Your Committee on finance would respectfully report in favor of 
imposing a tax of one dollar upon each member, in order to defray the 
current expenses of the Convention, and that a donation be taken up 
from the audience to pay for the use of the house, and your humble 
committee suggest that they j)roceed to wait upon the audience forth- 
with, for that purpose. 

W. F. Anderson, 

Chairman of Finance Committee. 



SMITH, DEKALB AND JACKSON COUNTIES. 

The delegate fi*om Smith county reported that in the seventeenth 
district a school house had been burned down lately. 

Thomas McClennon, a colored federal soldier was shot down in the 
act of prayer. He was a member of the African M, E. Church, and 
an honox-abie man. 

At Pi'osperity Meeting House, in Dekalb county, the meeting was 
fired into by Kuklux and the colored men whi] ped them off and killed 
one of their number. Col. Joe. Blackburn has been notified to leave 
Dekalb county. 

A colored man in Jackson county was skinned alive. The colored 
people are not even allowed church privileges. 

FOURTH day's PROCEEDINGS, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25th. 

The Convention met at half past eight o'clock, President William 
Butler in the chair. 

Prayer was offered by Eev. E. A. Anderson, 

A vote of thanks was tendered to the various railroads for furnish- 
ing free tranportation to the delegates home, 

A resolution was adopted requesting each member of the Conven- 
tion to raise funds to pay for the publishing of the minutes of the Con- 
vention. 

A resolution was adopted requesting the colored people of each coun- 
ty to appoint a committee wliich should report to the respective Ex- 
ecutive Committees in each division of the State. 

A resolution was offered that the President appoint a committee of 
three to select a suitable person to proceed to Washington and to pre- 
sent to Congress the proceedings of the Convention. Adopted, and 
C, M. Johnson, J. H. Sailor, and J. P. Price appointed said committee. 

The committee, after consultation, appointed Samuel Lowery, and 
the appointment was concurred in by the convention. 

A resolntion was adopted that each county pay five dollars toward 
defraying the current expenses of the Convention, except Davidson, 
which should pay $20.00, Sumner $10.00, Shelby $15.00, and Euther- 
forl $10.00. 



14 

A vote of thanks was tendered to Eev. Tyler, pastor of St. John's 
Chapel, for the use of the church, also to the officers of the convention, 
for the efficient manner in which they had presided over the delibera- 
tions of the Convention. 

The Convention then adjourned sine die. 



The Memorial to Congress and the President of the United 
States, Adopted at the State Convention 
OF colored men. 

The State Convention, held in Nashville February 22d, 23d, 24th, 
and 25th, would most respectfully submit this petition to Congress 
and the President of the United States that some action may be taken 
to ameliorate the condition of the colored citizens of this State. The 
Convention brought facts to light of the most intense affliction, suflPer- 
ing and destitution which we deplore and view with alarm, A small 
portion of this corrcspondeuce is printed with the minutes and pro- 
ceedings, The cry of the masses coming up from every quarter is, 
protection ! protection ! ! protection ! ! ! from the outlaws and despara- 
does who swarm by thousands up and down the highways of every 
district and county, under the secret oath-bound societies known as 
Pale Faces and Kukiux, to deny colored citizens every right of citi- 
zenship, civil and political. When we inform you that every supporter 
of the Lost Cause in this State is arrayed and engaged in this malicious 
effort, and our State being under political control of these men and 
their sympathizers, then you will realize that there is no redress for 
us unless the arm of the Grovernmeutis held out to our rescue, 

So great is the iniluence of these that the bxws arc in some places openly defied ; 
their masks taken off, and yet tlie officials refuse to bring any to justice, and in many 
cases they are with them in person committing murders, outrages and every crime 
against humanity, and by enrc^ling the masses of ivhite citizens in secret hostility to 
the colored citizens and their friends, as a class. This is an almost universal rule, 
in addition to the crimes committed against them by the organized secret societies of 
Pale Faces or Kukiux. They have formed Farmers' Clubs, Agricultural Societies, 
etc., to depreciate the labor of the colored men and control it by their individual and 
united action, which, so far, has resulted in the total violation of many of the con- 
tracts by the laborer being cheated out of the fruits of his toil, and driven from the 
premisee of the employer, destitute and without remedy — the State laws being a farce 
in the manner of their execution. 

HOMES. 

To put an end to this state of things, we ask Congress to aid the landless of our 
race to secure homes, by appointing an unpaid commission of well-known friends 
with power to purchase in this State large tracts of land to form settlements upon, 
which shall be let to colored citizens as homes, exempt from execution by State laws 
and allow them several years to pay for the same. Should such persons need further 
aid, said commission can render it on the same terms : and the United States should 
have a full title to all property purchased until the purchase money is repaid. These 
purchases of lands to lie in settlements so as to enable the settlers to protect them- 
selves from outrages and outlaws so numerous in our State. There being among us 
quite a number of mechanics and artizans out of employment, it would aflord a fit- 
ting opportunity not only to prepare a class for usefulness who are now neglected 
and outraged, but would develop and build up the country, which by nature is fitted 
for the abode of happiness and peace, but which has been by misguided men, to say 
the least, transformed to the theati-e of the most heartless atrocity and crimes, by 
those too who claim to be of a superior race, a Christian people and a chivalry. These 
things are visited upon a poor docile people, whose only crime is Loyalty to the Gov- 
ernment of the United States. 



PD 10.4 



15 

EDUCATION. 

The public sentiment, as it is expressed by legislation, is averse to the instruction, 
of colored citizens. The school system inaugurated under the Republican Legisla- 
ture, although defective in not giving schools on the broad basis of equality — yet 
stood for schools to the white people, and in some instances established some. No 
sooner had the I'ebel element gained power than they repealed the act, and swept 
every vestige of a law that looked to the education «f the colored children, and every 
right which maintained the civil right of the colored citizen. Although the tirst oath 
which they took upon entering office was that they would pass no law impairiuc'- the 
rights or privileges of any citizen. And to-day, over ninety per cent, of the colored 
children of the State are growing up to the responsibilities of manhood and citizen- 
ship, without any public, established system of instruction, and are forced, from the 
destitute and wronged condition of their parents, to grow up in a servility and igno- 
rance second only to slavery. We trust, as an act of patriotism, that you will t'ive 
us a national system of schools; of instruction without any invidious restriction to 
us on account of our color ; and that you will regulate the instruction of Agricultu- 
ral College, founded in this State by donations of United States lands, so that we can 
have, in proportion to our population, equal terras with others who attend that school. 

LABOR. 

As the colored citizens in Middle and West Tennessee, are largely the majority of 
every other class, of laborers more especially in agriculture without some means to 
secure to them their earnings, a sadder state of afl'airs awaits us. With btit few ex- 
ceptions this class of laborers are decoyed to do faithful labor in the rural districts 
some on the promise of a share of the 3rop and some for wages, but so soon as the 
crop is made the employer frames some excuse and falls out with the laborer and he 
is forced to leave his crop, and abandon his wages, by the terror of Kuklux, who in 
all cases, sympathies with the white emploj'ers. The courts of justice yield no re- 
dress in the State, The rebel press are constantly misrepresenting the facts, and 
that we are cheated. AVhile we thus have no protection, we will warn all imigrants 
German, Irish and Chinese, that we are unjustly delt by and tell them promptly of 
our treatment and if they come and voluntarily sink down deeper in oj^pression, so 
mote it be. But we will gladly hail all voluntary free labor to elevate the laborer 
whether from Europe, Asia, Africa or the West Indies, and extend a brother hand to 
secure him in his libei-ty the right to his toil and to uphold this government upon 
. equality. In the Capitol of our State the Penitentiary convicts are used by the 
managers of that Institution to break up the common labor of the coal mines in this 
State, and the stevedores of Nashville. They are used in loading and unloading 
boats; in the public works around the State building and if not corrected by legisla- 
tion, we shall soon see them hired out to private service by the year as servants and 
sold on the auction block as slaves for the balance of their time. 

SLAVERY IN FORCE. 

It is in fact another condition of slavery. The whites have agreed to send as 
many blacks as possible to the Penitentiai-y,and for misdemeanors for which white men 
are discharged. We ask to be allowed to sit on juries, and that, in no case of a 
felony or misdemeanor, should there be a trial of one of our race, unless one third 
or half of the jury be colored. This will stop their wholesale imprisonment, as it is 
now done simply to gratify the rage of those who hate us because we are colored 
and Republicans in principle. And to relieve our colored citizens from paying the 
State poll tax in voting for United States officers. 

In Tennessee a poll tax is demanded from evei-y voter ; unless that measure is re- 
pealed or made a nullity, in the case of voting for officers for the general govern- 
ment, it will throw off thousands of voters for the general government, for that 
measure has given already a pretext for additional robbery. In the adjoining 
counties, men's teams, wagons and furniture which are exempted from execution by 
State laws, are tried and sold for poll tax. The Constitution of this State at present 
in force in violation of the Civil Rights Bill, and the amended Constitution of the 
United States, and it is a barrier to our true development and manhood. We ask 
Legislation that will neutralize their effects, so we will feel as men when we stand 
up for the government, and not be handed ovei- to the enemies of the government, 
hands and feet bound. 

We ask of you recognition by the appointment of colored men, to positions of 
trust and profit in the government, in its departments, in proportion to their support 
of its principles, as an act of justice to our aace in this conflict. The enemies of 



16 

liberty, learned and polished, seek this exclusion of us, by seducing often the whites 
who are weak on giving justice to us on terms of equality, into sympathy with them, 
and prostituting their principles in their behalf. We hope tliis request will redily 
meet j'our concurrence, to make ctfoctive and useful the amendments to the national 
Constitution that guarantees our citizenship and riglits as a people. 

As in tlie past, we in tlie future, pledge to you all of your eftorts, to stand firm to 
our country, unfetter the cliaius of tlie oppressed and break the yoke of the captire. 
So we can give an elevation to our successors in this bond, to them a bond of free- 
dom and liberty, regulated by law and equality. W. M. Bulter, Chairman, Samuel 
Lowery, Secretary. 



The Committee on Outrages and Crimes presented Convention the following Kuklux 
Oath, which was in the Union Flag, publishe<l in Jonesboro, by Col. George S. 
Grisham, Feb. '2i, 1871, which was read hy the Secretary from the platform, being 
called lor by Mr. Ed Shaw, to show to the members the principles of the organi- 
zation, which is all ever the State. 

PALE FACES— OATH OF THE "WHITE BROTHERHOOD." 

For some time past the most diligent search has been made for the ritual and 
formula of the "Pale Faces." The following comes to us, by authority, as one of 
the Oaihs of the Klan. The entire ritual will soon be disclosed ; and it will show a 
dark and hellish intrigue, almost without a parallel of infamy: 

"Yon solemnh' swear, in the presence of xVlniighty God, that you will never reveal 
the name of the person who initiated you ; and that you will never reveal what ia 
now about to come to your knowledge, and that you are not now a member of the 
Eed String Order, Union League, Heroes of America, Grand Army of the Rcj^ublic 
or any other organization whose aim and intention is to destroy the rights of the 
South, or of the States, or of the people, or to elevate the negro to a political equality 
with yourself; and that you are opposed to all such principles. So help you God. 

You further swear before Almighty God, that you will be true to the principles of 
this brotherhood and the members thereof; and that you Avill never reveal any of the 
secrets, orders, acts or edicts, and that you will never make known to any person, 
not a known member of this brotherhood, that j'ou are a member yourself, or who 
are members; and that you will never assist in initiating, or allow to be initiated, if 
you can prevent it, any one belonging to the Red String Order, Union League, Heroes 
of America, Grand Army of the Republic, or any one holding radical views or opin- 
ions; and should any member of this brotherhood, or their families be in danger, you 
will inform them of their danger, and, if necessary, you will go to their assistance, 
and that you will oppose all radicals and negroes in all their political designs; and 
that should any radical or negro impose on, abuse, or injure any member of this 
brotherhood, you will assist in punishing him in any manner the camp may direct. 

You further swear that you will obey all calls and summonses of the chief of your 
camp or bi'otherhood, should it be in your power so to do. 

Given upon this, your obligation, that you will never give the word of distress un- 
less you are fn great need of assistance ; and should you hear it given by any brother 
you will go to his or their assistance, and should any member reveal any of the se- 
crets, acts, orders or edicts of the brotherhood, you will assist in punishing him in 
any way the camp may direct or approve of; So help you God. 

On motion "W". F. Anderson was appointed by the Convention to re- 
ceive all moneys to defray the expenses of the Convention, and to 
send a Delegate to Washington to bear Memorials to Congress and 
the President. 






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